The Hilo teams had a blast competing in the state PONY tournaments in the first day of play on Friday. ADVERTISING The Hilo teams had a blast competing in the state PONY tournaments in the first day of play on
The Hilo teams had a blast competing in the state PONY tournaments in the first day of play on Friday.
Hilo’s Pinto Grey opened with a win, a 14-12 thriller, on Maui but the 7 to 8 year old youngsters played Hilo’s Pinto Green.
At least, Green coach Keola Kendrick had a good sense of humor about it.
“It was the luck of the draw,” he said. “Who would have thought both Hilo teams would come to Maui and play each other?”
Some of you may be wondering didn’t Shon Malani’s Pinto team just win the state PONY championship on Thursday on the Valley Isle?
Malani’s ballclub did win. However, the Hilo Pinto teams are coach-pitch. (Grey coach is Kalani Pacheco)
Also, Jay Hatayama’s Hilo Mustangs (ages 9-10) lost to Maui Host 8-7.
The other Big Island team in action was the Hilo Pony (ages 13-14), coached by Kekoa Martin, which beat Maui Area 8-6.
Hilo’s Pony 13s, coached by Bully Ahuna, lost to Maui 4-2.
The divisions can be a little confusing because there are tournaments for the Pony 13s and regular Pony (ages 13-14) under the organization PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth).
Martin’s Pony team will continue play in the state PONY tournament at 7 p.m. Saturday against West Oahu at Iron Maehara Stadium in Wailuku.
Pacheco’s Grey will play Waianae Red at 10 a.m. Saturday, and Kendrick’s Green will play Kahului at 8 a.m. Saturday in the double-elimination tourney.
There’s a Fourth of July fireworks show at 8 p.m. Saturday in Lahaina, on the other side of the island, which peaks in traffic at night.
Hatayama’s team is staying in the coastal town of Lahaina, where ESPN’s Maui Invitational is held.
Soccer
Hilo’s Chicas club team beat Maui United 4-1 at the Maui Cup on Friday. Miya Clarke and Kiana Corpuz scored in the first half, and Haley Miyashiro added two goals in the second half.
The Big Island Rush Under-10 girls, also coached by Skee Saplan, tied Maui United and edged Maui girls 2-1. Destiny Amaral and Kaylee Yamada scored for the Rush.
